Which activity is MOST difficult for a 14-month-old child with a brachial nerve palsy affecting C5–C6?

Which activity is MOST difficult for a 14-month-old child with a brachial nerve palsy affecting C5–C6?

• A. Pushing a wagon
• B. Carrying a teddy bear in the crook of the arm
• C. Holding a raisin in the palm of the hand
• D. Grasping a cup

Answer: (B)

In a brachial plexus injury affecting C5–C6, elbow flexion is weak and the arm often sits adducted with internal rotation and the elbow extended. Carrying a teddy bear in the crook of the arm requires the elbow to bend (elbow flexion) to cradle the object against the body. Because elbow flexors are impaired, this action is particularly difficult, making it the most challenging task for a 14-month-old with this injury. Pushing a wagon mainly demands shoulder movement and can be done with the arm in a more extended position, although those movements are also weakened. Holding a raisin in the palm and grasping a cup rely more on distal hand function, which is less affected by C5–C6 palsy, so these tasks are comparatively easier.

In a brachial plexus injury affecting C5–C6, elbow flexion is weak and the arm often sits adducted with internal rotation and the elbow extended. Carrying a teddy bear in the crook of the arm requires the elbow to bend (elbow flexion) to cradle the object against the body. Because elbow flexors are impaired, this action is particularly difficult, making it the most challenging task for a 14-month-old with this injury. Pushing a wagon mainly demands shoulder movement and can be done with the arm in a more extended position, although those movements are also weakened. Holding a raisin in the palm and grasping a cup rely more on distal hand function, which is less affected by C5–C6 palsy, so these tasks are comparatively easier.